When a person applies for an account at a bank that uses Chexsystems and is denied, it shows up as an inquiry on your report. Too many inquiries on your report can cause Chexsystems to “flag” your account for suspicious activity. It is very important to know where you can and can not get an approval at prior to applying at a bank.
Too many denials can cause a bank that you might have been able to open an account at originally to deny you for these inquiries. Unfortunately this is a mistake that many people make when they first find out that they are reported to Chexsystems. Once they have been denied by a bank they tend to start applying just anywhere and everywhere only to be denied more.
This blog was created to help consumers who are searching for a second chance checking account avoid being ripped off and scammed when trying to get a bad credit checking account. The banks listed do not use ChexSystems or TeleCheck when opening a new account or they will not hold your ChexSystems listing against you. It also lists alternatives to checking accounts….
Here is more information from WikiAnswers contributors:
I was reported to chex system 2 months ago and I’m able to open a second chance Basic Checking account with Compass Bank. It is only $5/month and I get a Visa check card. Lots of banks are starting to offer these kinds of services, you just need to look around.
It is a very good way to restart your credit history. The other choice is to continue to pay high processing fees to paycheck cashing sites
All banks are linked through the chexsystem as far as I know. If the balance is still owed, you may not find anyone willing to open an account for you until it’s paid off. I believe you will be in Chexsystem for five years, then your name will be removed.
There is hope. What you can do is write Chexsystem a letter stating your story. Depending on circumstances you may not be liable under the Fair Reporting Act.
Well, I just found out that under most state laws a credit union cannot decline anyone that meets their membership requirements. This means that if you have bad credit they cannot decline you, but they can restrict your services. But if you need a savings account and a place to cash a check then they can do it.
Second Chance Checking. Check availibility in your area, some banks do offer this program for those of us that have outstanding items with chex systems.
There are several online companies that provide help in finding a bank after you’ve been reported to ChexSystems.
I’ve been on chexsystems since 2001 and after numberous attempts it seemed hopeless for me to obtain a checking account. Turns out Wells Fargo offers “oppurtunity checking” which is targeted for people whow are on chexsystems, even if you still owe. There is a $12.00 monthly fee, and $2.00 credit if you get direct deposit. I’m so glad finally there is hope for people like me!
There are always loopholes. One is to go ahead and pay the bank what you owe. Then, have the bank send a letter stating this has been paid. Take it with you to the bank where you’d like to open a new account. First, give them your social and see if they go for it. If not, have the letter from your previous bank handy and be ready to put it on the table. Showing you’ve paid this off and walking in with confidence may just land you a new checking account.
Well I work for GuarantyBank in Wisconsin, and I can tell you that legaly nobody is going to open you a checking account if you have an outstanding balance. However many banks (mine included) do offer a get checking program that can help. Also Guaranty Bank is one of the few that will open an account if you have 1 or less Chex system reports, as long as you don’t owe any money. We are in five states so you may be able to open an account at Guaranty Bank. As of 1-11-206 the deal for checking is, free checks for life, no monthly service charge, no min. balance, 25 dollar bonus dor dd. And many more, for the most part if you dont over draw you account it is completely free, and you wont spend a cent.
I live in Indianapolis, IN, I am in chex systems, i opened a bank, account but they won’t give me a debit card until i have paid the previous bank….now that i have paid the bank, they are giving me the run a round about reporting my payment to chex system
99% of banks use Chexsystems. You are stuck in Chexsystems for 5 years from the date the bank put you in their system. We can help you.
I hesitate to answer this one because I don’t want other people to abuse the only chance there is to get a checking account with an actual check book and atm card. After much research, I have found most second chance banks to be prepaid atm cards with monthly maintenance fees. I also found many services that charge for a list of banks that may or may not be up to date as a nonchexsystem bank. I even managed to open an account successfully with Charles Schwab online, they overlooked chexsystem, but the risk department eventually closed my account after reviewing one of my credit bureau reports which showed I had a delinquency, charge off, and collection. However, I am happy to have found that there’s one company that cuts through all the chase with no run around.
To dispute write to:
Mail:
Chex Systems, Inc.
7805 Hudson Road, Suite 100
Woodbury, MN 55125
Phone:
By phone at 800-428-9623 or fax at 602-659-2197
If the reinvestigation does not resolve your dispute, you are entitled to request a brief statement be added to your consumer file outlining the nature of your dispute.
